The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) of Singapore said on November 23 that it decided to adjust the country’s economic forecast this year to 3-3.5 percent from an earlier prediction of 2-3 percent (Photo: www.straitstimes.com) Singapore (VNA) – The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) ofSingapore said on November 23 that it decided to adjust the country’s economicforecast this year to 3-3.5 percent from an earlier prediction of 2-3 percent.
In the latesteconomic survey, the Singapore economy grew by 5.2 percent year on year in Q32017. This is faster than the preceding growth of2.9 percent in the previous quarter and the best showing since the economy grew5.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013.
On a quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted basis, the country’s economyexpanded by 8.8 percent, accelerating from 2.2 percent in the second quarter.
Manufacturing grew by 18.4 percent on year during the quarter, up from the previousquarter's 8.4 percent expansion. Services expanded by 3 percent compared to theprevious quarter, except for housing and catering sectors.
Meanwhile, the construction sector decreased by 7.6 percent on year, extendingthe second quarter's on-year decline of 9.1 percent.
The MTI said that global growth is expected to pick up marginally on the backof stronger economic growth in the US and some emerging markets and developingeconomies. However, growth in several of Singapore’s key external demandmarkets such as China and the Eurozone is projected to ease.
For 2018, the Singapore economy is likely to grow by 1.5-3.5 percent, accordingto the ministry.-VNA
